Device For Providing Improved Access To The Functions Of Human Machine Interfaces

ABSTRACT

A bezel positionable adjacent the outer periphery of a computer touch screen is provided. The bezel includes an elongated rim having a first side adjacent the computer screen and a surface. An identification marker positioned on the surface of the rim and identifying a predetermined area of the touch screen. A tactile indicium structure is on the surface at a location between the identification marker and the predetermined area of the touch screen. The tactile indicium structure includes an upper surface having tactile indicium thereon.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a continuation of U.S. application Ser. No.12/120,730, filed May 15, 2008, the entire contents of which isincorporated herein by reference.

REFERENCE TO GOVERNMENT GRANT

This invention was made with United States government support awarded bythe following agency: H133E030012. The United States has certain rightsin this invention.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The invention relates generally to human-machine interfaces (HMIs), andin particular, to a device for providing improved access to thefunctions of HMIs for people with disabilities without requiring theaddition of physical buttons.

BACKGROUND AND SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The electronic touch screen is representative of current innovative HMIsfor electronic devices. With a touch screen, the user enters data bytouching virtual buttons displayed on the computer display. With a touchscreen system, the type, size, and number of the virtual buttons may bereadily changed by changing the computer's program without changes inthe associated hardware. Thus, the touch screen system offers auser-interface that may be flexibly tailored to a particularapplication. The ability to divide virtual buttons among differentscreens and to display only those screens needed by the user'sparticular task can simplify data entry. The combination of text andgraphical elements on the screen along with the virtual buttons can helpto further guide the user through the steps of data input.

Normally, a touch screen system uses a touch screen panel which isplaced directly over the viewing area of a standard computer display,for example, a cathode ray tube (“CRT”) or a liquid crystal display(“LCD”). The touch screen panel provides a signal to a computerassociated with the computer display indicating where on the surface ofthe display a stylus or finger is placed. This signal may be generated,for example, by acoustic systems detecting absorption of sound by afinger on the surface of the display; by systems using crossed beams ofinfrared light arrayed along x and y axes which are broken by thefinger; or by laminated transparent electrodes which are physicallycompressed against each other to provide a point electrical contact thatmay be interpreted as an x and y coordinate.

Frequently, a touch screen will be used with a computer contained withina device to be used by the public. The computer may have so-calledmulti-media capabilities providing both a visual and audio programintended to help members of the public obtain information or directions.

Despite the advantage of touch screen systems in such applications, likemany novel interface controls, they present a barrier to many peoplewith disabilities. Those with impaired vision perceive only thefeatureless surface of the display screen knowing that it may containone or more virtual buttons of arbitrary placement and functions. Thoseunfamiliar with the language of the legends on the buttons or those whocannot read, are also foreclosed from much of the information presentedby touch screen systems. Critical audio information in multi-mediapresentations will not be received by deaf users. Those with limitedmobility may be unable to reach or operate the touch screen surface.

Heretofore, incorporating accessibility into kiosks and other touchscreen systems has typically involved adding buttons, keyboards or othermechanical controls for the systems. In many kiosk designs, the additionof these buttons, keyboards or other mechanical controls may be limitedby a lack of space, expense or various other constraints. Hence, itwould be desirable to provide a device for improving access to thefunctions of HMIs for people with disabilities without requiring theaddition of physical buttons, keyboards or other mechanical controls.

Therefore, it is a primary object and feature of the present inventionto provide a device for improving access to the functions of HMIs forpeople with disabilities without requiring the addition of physicalbuttons, keyboards or other mechanical controls.

It is a further object and feature of the present invention to provide adevice for improving access to the functions of HMIs for people withdisabilities that is simple to use and inexpensive to manufacture.

It is a still further object and feature of the present invention toprovide a device for improving access to the functions of HMIs forpeople with disabilities that may be utilized without altering operationof the HMIs or the electronic devices controlled by the HMIs.

In accordance with the present invention, a bezel positionable adjacentthe outer periphery of a computer touch screen is provided. The bezelincludes an elongated rim having a first side adjacent the touch screenand a surface. An identification marker is positioned on the surface ofthe rim. The identification marker identifies a predetermined area ofthe touch screen corresponding to a virtual button. The rim includes arecess therein at location between the identification marker and thetouch screen. The recess defines a tactile guide path from theidentification marker to the virtual button.

The recess may have a semi-circular cross-section or a generallyV-shaped cross-section. The identification marker may includes agenerally V-shaped chevron. The chevron includes first and second ribsdiverging from a point. Alternatively, the identification marker mayhave a generally circular configuration.

In accordance with a further aspect of the present invention, a bezelpositionable adjacent the outer periphery of a computer touch screen isprovided. The touch screen display displays a plurality of virtualbuttons across a portion thereof. The bezel includes an elongated rimhaving a first side adjacent the touch screen and a surface. A pluralityof identification markers extend from the rim. Each identificationmarker is alignable with a corresponding one of the plurality of virtualbuttons. A plurality of tactile guides are provided along the surface ofthe rim. Each tactile guide is positioned between a corresponding one ofthe plurality of identification markers and a corresponding one of theplurality of virtual buttons.

At least one tactile guide is defined by a recess in the surface of therim. The recess may have a semi-circular cross-section or a generallyV-shaped cross-section. At least one of the plurality of identificationmarkers includes a generally V-shaped chevron. The chevron is defined byfirst and second ribs diverging from a point. Alternatively, at leastone of the plurality of identification markers has a generally circularconfiguration.

In accordance with a still further aspect of the present invention, abezel positionable adjacent the outer periphery of a computer touchscreen is provided. The touch screen display displays a plurality ofvirtual buttons across a portion thereof. The bezel includes anelongated rim having a first side adjacent the touch screen and asurface. A plurality of axially spaced identification markings areprovided on the rim. Each identification marking is aligned with andidentifies a corresponding one of the plurality of virtual buttons. Aplurality of axially spaced tactile guides are provided along thesurface of the rim. Each tactile guide is positioned between acorresponding one of the plurality of identification markers and acorresponding one of the plurality of virtual buttons.

At least one tactile guide is defined by a recess in the surface of therim. The recess may have a semi-circular cross-section or a generallyV-shaped cross-section. At least one of the plurality of identificationmarkers includes a generally V-shaped chevron. The chevron is defined byfirst and second ribs diverging from a point. Alternatively, the atleast one of the plurality of identification markers may have agenerally circular configuration.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The drawings furnished herewith illustrate a preferred construction ofthe present invention in which the above advantages and features areclearly disclosed as well as others which will be readily understoodfrom the following description of the illustrated embodiment.

In the drawings:

FIG. 1 is a front elevational view of a bezel in accordance with thepresent invention surrounding a standard computer touchscreen;

FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view of the bezel of the present inventiontaken along line 2-2 of FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view of the bezel of the present inventiontaken along line 3-3 of FIG. 1;

FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view of the bezel of the present inventiontaken along line 4-4 of the FIG. 1;

FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view of the bezel of the present inventiontaken along line 5-5 of FIG. 1;

FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view of the bezel of the present inventiontaken along line 6-6 of FIG. 1; and

FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional view of the bezel of the present inventiontaken along line 7-7 of FIG. 1.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Referring to FIG. 1, a bezel in accordance with the present invention isgenerally designated by the reference numeral 10. It is intended forbezel 10 to surround a conventional computer touch screen generallydesignated by the reference numeral 12. Touch screen 12 is positioned infront of and in alignment with a standard computer display, for example,a cathode ray tube or a liquid crystal display. Touch screen 12 is wellknown in the art and may apply a number of different technologies,including those employing crossed beams of infrared light (which detecta finger or stylus by the interruption of one or more beams), and thoseemploying layered transparent electrodes (which detect the finger orstylus by its deforming layers and causing the electrodes to touch). Asis conventional, touch screen 12 includes an outer, display surface 14on which the stylus or finger is placed, for reasons hereinafterdescribed.

Bezel 10 is defined by first and second generally parallel side framemembers 16 and 18 interconnected by upper and lower frame members 20 and22, respectively. First and second side frame members 16 and 18,respectively, are generally parallel to each other and generallyperpendicular to upper and lower frame members 20 and 22, respectfully.First and second side frame members, respectively, include correspondinginner edges 16 a and 18 a, respectively. Similarly, upper and lowerframe members 20 and 22, respectively, include corresponding inner edges20 a and 22 a, respectively. Inner edges 16 a and 18 a of first andsecond frame members 16 and 18, respectively, and inner edges 20 a and22 a of upper and lower frame members 20 and 22, respectively, define agenerally rectangular opening 24 therethrough. It is intended for bezel10 to be positioned adjacent display surface 14 of touch screen 12 suchthat the computer display is visible through opening 24 defined by bezel10.

Touch screen 12 and the computer display are operatively connected to acentral processing unit (not shown). Touch screen 12 provides a userinterface with the central processing unit that is flexibly tailored toa particular application operating in accordance with a computer programexecuted in the central processing unit. As is known, a touch screenprovides a high-resolution X-Y coordinate signal to the centralprocessing unit in response to the touching or “pressing” of the displaysurface of the touch screen, in a manner hereinafter described.

In the present invention, it is contemplated for the central processingunit to simultaneously generate first and second display areas 28 and30, respectively, on the computer display. First display area 28includes a plurality of virtual buttons 32 arranged on the surface ofthe computer display in accordance with a computer program executed bythe central processing unit. It is contemplated for the computer programto provide a series of screens that may be displayed in first displayarea 28 in order to divide a user's interaction with touch screen 12into discrete logical stages. In the depicted environment, each screenincludes a plurality of virtual buttons 32 that are generallyrectangular images containing an alpha and/or numeric label. Virtualbuttons 32 may be “pressed” by a user by touching a portion of outersurface 14 of touch screen 12 that overlies a corresponding desiredvirtual button on the computer display thereby causing the centralprocessing unit to execute a predetermined set of instructionsassociated with such virtual button. As understood in the art, eachvirtual button may include a “pressed” and “unpressed” image reflectingits two possible states. Typically, a shadow box surrounds the selectedvirtual button 32 and changes shade in response to the state thereof soas to mimic a real button being depressed or released.

Similar to first display area 28, second display area 30 includes aplurality of virtual buttons 50 a-50 f, as hereinafter described. Seconddisplay area 30 is defined by inner edges 16 a and 18 a of first andsecond side frame members 16 and 18, respectively, of bezel 10. Seconddisplay area 30 further includes a lower edge 44 adjacent upper edge 22a of lower frame member 22 of bezel 10 and an upper edge 48 verticallyspaced therefrom. Virtual buttons 50 a-50 f are axially spaced betweeninner edge 16 a of side frame member 16 and inner edge 18 a of sideframe member 18. It is contemplated for virtual buttons 50 a-50 f toallow a user who has difficulty reading the information in first displayarea 28 to control the screen and the selection of virtual buttons 32displayed in first display area 28. By way of example, virtual button 50a allows a user to scroll backwards through the plurality of screensdisplayed in first display area 28. Depression of virtual button 50 bactuates an audio cue that assists an individual with vision impairmentor the individual who has difficulty reading the information displayedon first display area 28 to receive information on the capabilities ofand the instructions for operation of virtual buttons 32 displayed inthe first display area 28. Virtual button 50 c has a generallytriangular outline and allows the user to scroll through virtual buttons32 displayed on first display area 28 in a first direction such that thepressing of virtual button 50 c moves the shadow box from a firstvirtual button 32 to a second virtual button 32. Similarly, virtualbutton 50 d having a generally triangular outline allows the user toscroll through virtual buttons 32 displayed in first display area 28 ina second, opposite direction. Virtual button 50 e having a generallycircular outline allows a user to select or “press” the virtual button32 in first display area 28 surrounded by the shadow box. Depression ofvirtual button 50 f allows a user to scroll to the next screen to bedisplayed in first display area 28.

In order to assist a user as to the location and identification ofvirtual buttons 50 a-50 f, various indicia are provided on lower framemember 22 of bezel 10. By way of example, a left hand stop member 56projects from first side frame member 16 of bezel 10 and lies in a planegenerally perpendicular to display surface 14 of touch screen 12. Asbest seen in FIGS. 1-2, left hand stop member 56 includes an upper edge58 generally co-planer with upper edge 48 of second display area 30 andan inner face 60 lying in a parallel plane with inner edge 16 a of firstside frame member 16 of bezel 10. It is intended for left hand stopmember 56 to define the left hand end of second display area 30 for auser. First and second chevrons 62 and 64, respectively, project fromouter surface 66 of lower frame element 22 at a location directly belowvirtual button 50 a. First and second chevrons 62 and 64, respectively,include corresponding vertices directed towards inner face 60 of lefthand stop member 56. It is intended for first and second chevrons 62 and64, respectively, to provide an identification marker that identifiesthe location and function of virtual button 50 a thereabove to a user.

Referring to FIGS. 1 and 3, identification marker 70 has a question markconfiguration and projects from outer surface 66 of lower frame member22. Identification marker 70 is positioned below and aligned withvirtual button 50 b, and is intended to provide information to a userregarding the location and function of virtual button 50 b. Tactilemarker 72 projects from upper surface 46 of lower frame member 22 at alocation between identification marker 70 and virtual button 50 b.Tactile marker 72 is defined by first and second sides 74 and 76,respectively, interconnected by upper surface 78 and inner edge 80.Inner edge 80 is positioned adjacent display surface 14 of touch screen12. A generally V-shaped trough 79 is provided in upper surface 78 oftactile marker 72 and is defined by first and second surfaces 81 and 82,respectively, converging at vertex 84. As best seen in FIG. 1, trough 79partially surrounds the lower end of virtual button 50 b and provides aguide path for an individual's finger from identification marker 70 tovirtual button 50 b. First and second sides 74 and 76, respectively, ofidentification marker 72 define a predetermined width on second displayarea 30 of touch screen 12 wherein the pressing of touch screen 12 by anindividual will execute the predetermined set of instructions associatedwith virtual button 50 b.

Referring to FIGS. 1 and 4, outer surface 66 of lower frame member 22further includes an upwardly directed chevron 86 having a vertexdirected toward second display area of touch screen 12. Chevron 86 ispositioned below and in alignment with virtual button 50 c. It isintended for chevron 86 to identify the location and function of virtualbutton 50 c. Tactile marker 88 projects from upper surface 46 of lowerframe member 22 at a location between chevron 86 and virtual button 50c. Tactile marker 88 includes first and second sides 90 and 92,respectfully, and a rear edge 94 abutting display surface 14 of touchscreen 12. Tactile marker 88 further includes an upper surface 96 havinga generally triangular rib 98 projecting vertically therefrom. As bestseen in FIG. 1, rib 98 is positioned equidistant from and lies in aplane parallel to first and second sides 90 and 92, respectively, oftactile marker 88. It is intended for rib 98 to provide a tactile guidedirecting a user from chevron 86 to virtual button 50 c. First andsecond sides 90 and 92, respectively, of tactile marker 88 define thewidth of a predetermined area wherein depression of touch screen 12 willactuate virtual button 50 c.

Orientation member 100 projects from lower frame member 22 of bezel 10at the midpoint thereof. Orientation member 100 includes first andsecond opposite sides 102 and 104, respectively, and lies in a planegenerally perpendicular to touch screen 12. First side 102 lies in acommon plane with second side 92 of tactile marker 88. Second side 104of orientation member 100 lies in a common plane with first side 106 oftactile marker 108, hereinafter described. Orientation member 100 isintended to orientate the finger of a user along lower frame member 22of bezel 10. In addition, orientation member 100 separates tactilemarker 88 from tactile marker 108, hereinafter described.

Referring to FIGS. 1 and 5, bezel 10 further includes a downwardlydirected chevron 110 projecting from outer surface 66 of lower framemember 22. Chevron 110 is positioned below and in axial alignment withvirtual button 50 d. It is intended for downwardly directed chevron 110to identify the location and function of virtual button 50 d. Tactilemarker 108 projects vertically from upper surface 46 of the lower framemember 22 at a location between downwardly directed chevron 110 andvirtual button 50 d. Tactile marker 108 includes a second side 112 and arearward edge 114 positionable adjacent display surface 14 of touchscreen 12. Tactile marker 108 further includes an upper surface 116extending between first and second sides 106 and 112, respectively,thereof. A generally V-shaped groove 118 is provided in upper surface116 of tactile marker 108. Groove 118 is equidistant from first andsecond sides 106 and 112, respectively, of tactile marker 108 and liesin a plane that is generally parallel thereto. It is intended for groove118 to provide a tactile guide for a user from downwardly directedchevron 110 to virtual button 50 d. First and second sides 106 and 112,respectively, of tactile marker 108 further define a width of apredetermined area of second display screen 12 that a user may depressin order to actuate virtual button 50 d.

Referring to FIGS. 1 and 6, bezel 10 further includes a generallyring-shaped identification marker 122 projecting from outer surface 66of lower frame member 22. Identification marker 122 is aligned with andpositioned below virtual button 50 e. It is intended for identificationmarker 122 to identity the location and function of virtual button 50 e.Tactile marker 124 projects upwardly from upper surface 46 of lowerframe member 22. Tactile marker 124 includes first and second sides 126and 128, respectively, and a rear edge 130 adjacent display surface 14of touch screen 12. First and second sides 126 and 128, respectively, oftactile marker 124 lie in corresponding planes that are generallyparallel to each other and perpendicular to touch screen 12. Uppersurface 132 interconnects first and second sides 126 and 128,respectively, of tactile marker 124 and includes a semi-cylindricalrecess 134 therein that partially surrounds virtual button 50 e. It isintended for semi-cylindrical recess 134 and upper surface 132 oftactile marking 124 to provide a tactile guide path for the finger of auser from identification marker 124 to virtual button 50 e. First andsecond sides 126 and 128, respectively, of tactile marker 124 define awidth of a predetermined area of touch screen 12 that a user may depressin order to actuate virtual button 50 e.

Referring to FIGS. 1 and 7, right hand stop member 138 projects fromsecond side frame member 18 of bezel 10 and lies in a plane generallyperpendicular to display surface 14 of touch screen 12. Right hand stopmember 138 includes an upper edge 140 generally co-planer with upperedge 48 of second display area 30 and an inner face 142 lying in aparallel plane with inner edge 18 a of second side frame member 18 ofbezel 10. It is intended for right hand stop member 138 to define theright hand end of second display area 30 for a user. First and secondchevrons 144 and 146, respectively, project from outer surface 66 oflower frame element 22 at a location directly below virtual button 50 f.First and second chevrons 144 and 146, respectively, includecorresponding vertices directed towards inner face 142 of right handstop member 138. It is intended for first and second chevrons 144 and146 respectively, to provide an identification marker that identifiesthe location and function of virtual button 50 f thereabove to a user.

It can be appreciated that the second display area 30 may be adjacentfirst and second frame members 16 and 18, respectively, or along upperframe member 20 without deviating from the scope of the presentinvention. As a result, bezel 10 may be modified accordingly. Further,it can be appreciated that the cross-sectional shape of bezel 10 may bealtered, as well as, the shapes and spacing of tactile markers,identification markers and chevrons may be modified without deviatingfrom the scope of the present invention. It is also noted thatidentification marker 70, chevrons 86 and 110, and identification marker122 may be positioned on upper surface 46 of lower frame member 22adjacent outer surface of lower frame member 22. This alternateplacement may, in turn, facilitate use of identification marker 70,chevrons 86 and 110, and identification marker 122 by a user of touchscreen 12.

As described, the present invention allows for the accessible use oftouch screen 12 by people with disabilities without adding tactilebuttons or other mechanical controls. Access to all of the functionalityof touch screen 12 is accomplished by providing a reserved area of touchscreen 12, e.g. second display area 30, with dedicated virtual buttonsfor navigation and help. Users with low vision and blindness can usetouch screen 12 by virtue of the combination of visible on-screenvirtual buttons and tactile markers and features that protrude over thetouch screen to indicate location of the virtual buttons for those whoare blind. Audio output is available to read onscreen text and labels tousers who require it. For people in a wheelchair or those with shorterstature, the controls along lower frame member 22 of bezel 10 across thebottom of touch screen 12 can be made within the reach standards of theAmericans with Disabilities Act Accessibility Guidelines.

Various modes of carrying out the invention are contemplated as beingwithin the scope of the following claims particularly pointing out anddistinctly claiming the subject matter, which is regarded as theinvention.

1. A bezel positionable adjacent the outer periphery of a computer touchscreen, comprising: an elongated rim having a first side adjacent thetouch screen and a surface; and an identification marker on the surfaceof the rim, the identification marker identifying a predetermined areaof the touch screen corresponding to a virtual button; wherein the rimincludes a recess therein at location between the identification markerand the touch screen, the recess defining a tactile guide path from theidentification marker to the virtual button.
 2. The bezel of claim 1wherein the recess has a semi-circular cross-section.
 3. The bezel ofclaim 1 wherein the recess has a generally V-shaped cross-section. 4.The bezel of claim 1 wherein the identification marker includes agenerally V-shaped chevron, the chevron includes first and second ribsdiverging from a point.
 5. The bezel of claim 1 wherein theidentification marker has a generally circular configuration.
 6. A bezelpositionable adjacent the outer periphery of a computer touch screen,the touch screen display displaying a plurality of virtual buttonsacross a portion thereof, comprising: an elongated rim having a firstside adjacent the touch screen and a surface; a plurality ofidentification markers extending from the rim, each identificationmarker alignable a corresponding one of the plurality of virtualbuttons; and a plurality of tactile guides along the surface of the rim,each tactile guide positioned between a corresponding one of theplurality of identification markers and a corresponding one of theplurality of virtual buttons.
 7. The bezel of claim 6 wherein at leastone tactile guide is defined by a recess in the surface of the rim. 8.The bezel of claim 7 wherein the recess has a semi-circularcross-section.
 9. The bezel of claim 7 wherein the recess has agenerally V-shaped cross-section.
 10. The bezel of claim 6 wherein atleast one of the plurality of identification markers includes agenerally V-shaped chevron, the chevron defined by first and second ribsdiverging from a point.
 11. The bezel of claim 6 wherein at least one ofthe plurality of identification markers has a generally circularconfiguration.
 12. A bezel positionable adjacent the outer periphery ofa computer touch screen, the touch screen display displaying a pluralityof virtual buttons across a portion thereof, comprising: an elongatedrim having a first side adjacent the touch screen and a surface; aplurality of axially spaced identification markings on the rim, eachidentification marking aligned with and identifying a corresponding oneof the plurality of virtual buttons; and a plurality of axially spacedtactile guides along the surface of the rim, each tactile guidepositioned between a corresponding one of the plurality ofidentification markers and a corresponding one of the plurality ofvirtual buttons.
 13. The bezel of claim 12 wherein at least one tactileguide is defined by a recess in the surface of the rim.
 14. The bezel ofclaim 13 wherein the recess has a semi-circular cross-section.
 15. Thebezel of claim 13 wherein the recess has a generally V-shapedcross-section.
 16. The bezel of claim 11 wherein at least one of theplurality of identification markers includes a generally V-shapedchevron, the chevron defined by first and second ribs diverging from apoint.
 17. The bezel of claim 11 wherein at least one of the pluralityof identification markers has a generally circular configuration.